Netanyahu, UAE President reported to meet officials from 10 nations

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Officials from 10 countries participated in an expanded meeting in Abu Dhabi between Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to reports from Israel’s Channel 14 on Tuesday.

The broadcasting station, citing unnamed UAE sources, stated that the meeting took place in two stages, with the first stage involving Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohamed.

It was further noted that the second, expanded session included representatives from the US, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, Libya, and Oman, in addition to Israel and the UAE.

The countries mentioned in the report did not immediately provide comment.

The anonymous source was quoted as saying that the meeting focused on strengthening security and intelligence cooperation between Israel and the UAE, as well as establishing a regional defence framework to address “common threats.”

The report also mentioned that participants discussed measures related to Iran and the Yemen Houthis, intelligence and security assistance for Saudi Arabia, and the possibility of forming a new regional alliance.

Channel 14 further stated that participants discussed the potential creation of oil transport routes that do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

UAE’s official news agency, WAM, reported on Monday that Sheikh Mohamed received Netanyahu’s visit to the country on Sunday.

WAM mentioned that both leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen and develop them.

Netanyahu’s office subsequently confirmed that he and his wife visited the UAE on Sunday, stating that talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties and regional challenges.

It was also noted that Netanyahu was accompanied by the Head of the National Security Council Shmuel Ben Ezra, the head of the Mossad intelligence agency Roman Gofman, military secretary Guy Markizano, and political advisor Ophir Falk.